Eczema Knowledge Hub

One of the most common questions new parents ask is whether eczema can be prevented. The scientific evidence so far is mixed — some studies suggest that daily moisturising from birth may lower the risk of eczema, while others show no clear benefit.^[1,2] What we do know for sure is that baby skin is about five times thinner than adult skin, which makes it more fragile, more prone to dryness, and more easily irritated.

That's why proper baby skincare is essential. Even if eczema cannot always be prevented, these simple habits help keep your baby's skin healthy, hydrated, and more resilient.

Baby skincare guidelines

Bathing — keep it gentle. Newborns only need a bath 2–3 times a week, gradually increasing frequency as they grow. Keep baths short, around 10 minutes, in lukewarm water (not hot), and rinse thoroughly. Use a soap-free, fragrance-free top-to-toe cleanser.

Moisturise consistently and generously. Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser to the whole body immediately after bathing — within minutes, while the skin is still slightly damp — and at least twice a day. For daytime use, lighter creams are generally fine. At night, or in drier and colder environments, thicker creams or ointments are more effective at locking in moisture and protecting the skin barrier. Avoid products with fragrances or strong preservatives.

How much moisturiser? More than you might think. Babies typically need at least 125g of moisturiser per week — under-moisturising is one of the most common reasons eczema is difficult to control.^[3]

Additional skincare step. If your baby has a doctor's prescription for eczema, apply medication to affected areas as directed before or after moisturising. For babies with normal skin, a gentle massage with baby oil can help keep skin supple and makes for a lovely bonding routine.

Keep baby's bottom happy. Change dirty nappies promptly to prevent nappy rash. Use fragrance-free wipes, and if a rash develops, apply a zinc oxide nappy cream.

Dress in soft, breathable fabrics. Choose loose-fitting clothes made of cotton, bamboo, Tencel lyocell, or silk. Cut out scratchy labels, and remember that bedsheets should be soft and breathable too.

While we cannot guarantee eczema prevention, these steps give every baby the best start for healthy skin. And if eczema does develop, having good skincare habits already in place makes it much easier to manage. With patience, gentle care, and support, most babies grow up with healthier skin and greater comfort.